Woman crashes SUV into Highland Township dance studio

A Highland Township dance company had a surprise visitor Monday evening as a motorist accidentally drove an SUV through the front of the business.

A 53-year-old woman, whose foot may have accidentally pressed the gas instead of the brake, breached the front wall of the Modern Messages Dance Company, located on the 2300 block of Highland Road, officials report.

No injuries were reported, and alcohol is not suspected to be factor in the accident.

Owner Roland Bottiglia, who estimated around $5,000 worth of damage was done, said the woman was a client of his who was preparing to take Zumba classes. Apparently, the car had gone at least four feet into the dance studio and, subsequently, into neighboring Marco's Pizza's bathroom facilities.

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The vehicle drove into an actual studio, broke out a portion of the floor, shattered dance mirrors and damaged the ceiling grid of the dance company.

While Bottiglia hasn't had an adjuster out to estimate the actual damage, "It was a total accident ... just a mistake," he said Tuesday afternoon. "We were just grateful no one got hurt and I was happy to see everybody treated her well after the incident."

The woman's vehicle was towed from the scene afterwards, officials said. Responding deputies reported that a private property damage accident report was filled out as a result.

Bottiglia said he doesn't plan to press charges against the woman. He added that her auto insurance company will cover most of the damages.

"It's one of those things that's unfortunate, but she didn't mean it ... there's no reason to make matters worse for her," he added. "The nice part is I don't have classes next week."

Modern Messages Dance Company currently teaches 225 students in various dance styles. To learn more about the Highland Township dance studio, visit mmdco.org.